by Yuriko Hime
What we were doing was pretty simple. There was nothing out of the ordinary with preparing breakfast together. It was completely mundane. But somehow, I found it appealing. We really looked like a couple in love. A couple making breakfast for each other. God, I wanted to marry her for real. Doing this every single day would be heaven.
Once we finished cooking and preparing, we sat side-by-side next to the kitchen table. Her eyes twinkled when she took a bite of the food. I was looking straight at her instead of focusing on my own plate. “Want me to feed you?” she asked. Glace was perky this morning.
“I can do that.” I took a bite from my sandwich and chewed slowly. “What do you want to do today baby?” There was that word again. I felt warm and fuzzy just by saying it.
“I want to cuddle with you, watch sappy movies, and watch you all day long. But that won’t work,” she said. “So instead, I’ll take you somewhere. Don’t worry, I’ll bring you home before nightfall, or Andrea will kill me.”
“Why can’t we just stay here? I like to watch movies too.” Actually, I want to stare at your face the whole day Glace. But I didn’t say that out loud. I would sound like a crazy fan girl.
She sipped her orange juice. “We can’t stay here. It’s too tempting. I’m having a hard time keeping my hands to myself, and I’m usually not that kind of person.” Oh. Did that mean she wanted to?
When we finished eating and washing the dishes, Glace dragged me back to her room. Her walk-in closet to be exact. She convinced me to wear a navy blue breasted pea coat for our trip. While she was placing an ivory colored scarf around my neck, she murmured, “It’s chilly outside. I don’t want my wife to catch a cold.” Don’t worry Glace. Your sweetness made me warm.
She matched my style by wearing a black cashmere trench coat over her tank top. It looked sexy on her. Scratch that. Everything looked sexy on her. I grabbed the red scarf she produced from one of the drawers and pulled her to me. “Come here,” I said, placing the scarf around her. “I don’t want you to catch a cold too.” She blushed.
Before we left the room, she took a cap which I recognized as the one she wore in the café where I first saw her, and large sunglasses. It was no doubt her disguise for the day. It seemed that we were going somewhere crowded, or at least a place where someone could recognize her. Glace grasped my hand as we walked out of the house.
We went straight to the garage where there was an assortment of cars. Glace settled for the blue Mustang. “Let’s take this one Dulce. The paparazzi doesn’t know it exists. And I have no intention of letting them know.” She smirked. Glace followed me to the front passenger side. She opened the door for me. “After you wifey,” she said with a cute smile that made me giggle.
Once we were on the road, Glace started to ask me several questions. “What’s your favorite song?”
“Anything. But I hate country music. No offense if you like it, or if you have a singer friend who makes that type of sounds, but God it’s irritating.”
She laughed low as she continued staring at the road. “No big deal. I hate country music too. And I do know a female who only sings country songs for her albums.” She shrugged and asked the next question. “What about your favorite movie?”
“It would be The Swan Princess.”
“That’s a Disney film right?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I mean how can you not like that? They became friends when they were young and fell in love when they grew older. It was simply the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen,” I gushed.
“You have your own Swan Princess story, but you forgot about it,” she murmured.
“What was that again?”
“Nothing.”
“How about you? What’s your favorite movie?”
“Cast Away.” She scratch her chin. “Aside from the fact that Tom Hanks’ acting was superb there, the ending reminded me of something. When the lead character came back to his girlfriend, she was already in love with someone else." Glace scowled. "What the hell right? The poor guy was lost at sea, and he didn’t even get the love of his life.”
“That’s just sad,” I agreed. “What about Romance films? Give me your favorite. A legit one this time.”
“Hmmm. I like 50 First Dates. I cried like a baby when the girl forgot Adam Sandler’s character the next day. The movie was too awesome.” She sighed.
“Would you do that? I mean, if your girlfriend forgot you. Would you make the effort to help her remember?”
She glanced at me. “Every damn second Dulce.” She turned her attention back to the road. “Even if she hurts me by acting like she didn’t know me, I’d court her so she’d fall in love with me every single day. Without fail,” she added.
I stared out the window, thinking of a suitable reply. She couldn’t be more perfect. But you know what was even better? I knew for a fact that she made mistakes like me, and I loved that about her. I loved her. Period. Right that second, I felt the need to tell her. No more excuses this time. Just suffer the consequences later.
I opened my mouth. “I looo. . .”
The car stopped abruptly. I lurched forward in my seat. The words I was going to say were instantly forgotten. Another vehicle cut as off and nearly hit us on the road. Fudge! I thought we were goners. Glace turned to me quickly. “Are you okay baby?”
“Yeah.” Considering I nearly had a heart attack. “Are you?”
“Luckily.”
Because of that incident, both of us remained silent. We were too shaken up to speak. When we reached our destination after a couple of minutes, Glace tied her hair and wore her disguise. She smiled endearingly at me, showing her pearly whites. If nobody took a good look at her, she was barely recognizable.
“Where are we? What are we doing here?” I asked, just as she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door.
Glace jogged to the trunk of the car. She was holding two sets of white ice skate shoes when she returned. “I haven’t skated in a while.” She handed me a pair. “I want to try it with you. If you don’t know how, you can always take my hands.”
I glanced at the shoes. It was about my size. “I know how to skate, don’t worry. But it never snows here. Where will we find ice?”
“I read somewhere that they currently have an outdoor skating rink here. It’s man-made. They created it for the holidays.”
That got me excited. “Let’s go.” I fought the urge to jump up and down.
She grabbed my hand. Glace ushered me to the booth where we had to pay for the admission. After changing into our skate shoes and going to the site, she pushed me to the ice. Like her, it has been I while since I tried this. I almost slipped. She held me on both arms to help me establish my balance. Once we got the hang of it, the two of us whizzed past the others. We skated hand-in-hand. From the distance, I could see the tall buildings. It made for a really romantic backdrop.
Glace lead me to the corner. We were skating for minutes. It was time to rest and stare at the scenic view. We both leaned on the divider. “I’m really happy when I’m with you,” she said. Fog escaped from her mouth.
“Me too.” The scarf she was wearing was loose. I tightened it comfortably around her neck.
She moved nearer to me and spoke softly, making the small hair on my nape stand up. “I feel like Peter Pan when I’m with you Dulce. As if I’ll never get old. Please come to Neverland with me where you don’t have to think of anything else but happiness.” She removed her sunglasses before cupping my chin in her hand, staring deeply in my eyes with those coffee colored pupils of hers that I loved.
I found myself asking the same thing that Wendy said to Peter. “But how do we get there?”
“Just take my hand and I’ll show you how to fly.” She puckered her lips. I closed my eyes as she inched to me, feeling her breath on my face.
“Excuse me miss. Do you happen to be a model or actress?” Both us froze in place. The guy started again. “Would it be okay to get your autograph?”
Glace relea
sed my chin. She inhaled sharply while replacing her sunglasses over her eyes. The two of us stared at the guy who conveniently interrupted us. I wanted to push him on the ice. I was normally a sweet and innocent girl but damn! Just a few inches more and I would have kissed her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Glace tried to look as nonchalant as possible. “I’m not an actress.”
“I’m not talking about you,” the guy said. He pointed to me. “I was referring to her. Can you give me your autograph miss? I know I must have seen you before but I forgot. If you’re not an actress or model, just give me your number babe. I’ll show you around.”
Glace snaked her arm around me. She pulled me to her side. “Stop making your moves on my wife,” she snapped.
The guy stared incredulously at us. “Wife? But you’re both women!”
Glace laughed sarcastically. “Duh? Ever heard of same love? Now beat it freak!” I glanced in surprise at her. She was usually so calm.
The guy didn’t want to back down. “I can give you so much more babe,” he said to me. Ewww! What the hell?
“No way!” I blurted. “You may look cool in front of your peers, and that muscle bound body may seem hot when it comes to other girls, but I’m not interested in men. I also happen to love Glace.” The guy stared at me and Glace in total disgust before skating away. When he was far enough, I faced Glace and cupped her cheek. “He’s a douche,” I said.
She inhaled deeply. “Can you repeat what you said a little while ago?” She was slightly out of breath. Her hands were trembling. She was obviously cold.
“He’s a douche?” I asked.
“No. Before that,” she said. “Repeat what you said to the guy.”
I thought about it and shook my head. “Sorry, I forgot. Short term memory loss.” Ok, bad joke. “Anyway, let’s go somewhere else. He might bring his buddies back and I don’t want to get into a fight. People may recognize you.”
“Okay.” There was regret in her voice. We made it to the car with no problems. Back in the Mustang, we quickly changed into our shoes and got inside the vehicle. “Where do you want to go next?” she asked.
“Can we drop by a coffee shop? I’m feeling a little chilly. I want to drink something hot.”
“Sure.” She started the car to take us to a nearby café.
I secretly hoped that today would never end. It was one, if not my most favorite day. I loved how we talked. How we laughed at each other. How our fingers intertwined as we walked around the city. I also liked how she’d kiss me softly on the cheek when no one was looking, or when she’d call me her wife. It was perfection. Sadly, as with all happy days, it soon ended. With heavy hearts, we went back to my house.
She parked the Mustang just in front of it and cut the engine. “Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you inside? I want to say hi to Andrea.”
“You don’t need to. You should drive straight home and rest.” I stroked her raven hair. “Promise me that you’d go to school on Monday. The class is really worried about you. I’m also worried about you.”
There was tenderness in her eyes. It was nice to see it again after she removed her disguise. “I promise Dulce,” she murmured. “And thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being the best wife, even for a day. I know that this is just make believe, but you’ve made me happy. I will treasure it forever.”
Before I could reply, the front door to my house opened. Mom poked her head out. It was time for me to go. Time to stop pretending to be her wife. I sighed. “See you on Monday.”
She nodded. I unhooked the seatbelt. I kissed her on the cheek before I lost my nerve. Out of the car I went. Before the door totally closed, I heard her whisper. “Next time, I will really teach you how to fly Wendy.”
“My window is always open for you Peter,” I whispered back.
Chapter 16. Lines Meet
Ten years have passed since I last saw Glace. We had no contact all those times. I fell in love with a girl named Hera during those years. Not only was she as beautiful as her name, she also made me feel special. Though she was no actress like Glace, she never broke my heart. We adopted a child who we lovingly named Freeda. She was as beautiful as her mother, making me the happiest.
I was kidding of course. There was no Hera. I didn’t fall in love with anyone else. My heart still belonged to Glace. At the back of my mind, I knew she would always have it. Ten years didn’t pass either. But today was the school play and everyone was gathered in the auditorium to watch us. So you felt bad because of my little trick? Bite me.
The announcer, aka my English teacher said that our class was up in 30 minutes. It gave me more jitters that I didn’t need at the moment. My classmates and I were currently backstage, or at the back of the makeshift stage if you wanted to put it that way. We were busy preparing for our performance.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Denise approaching at 3 o’clock. Ugh. “Hey babe,” she said when she was within earshot. “Did you see my sterling act?”
“Uh huh.” I tried to breathe through the corset I was wearing inside. It was, as the song went, killing me softly. Why did Juliet have to wear such clothing? It was beyond me. Denise twirled her blonde hair with a finger, waiting for me to speak. “What do you want?” I asked. I was not one for small talks, especially today of all days.
“I’m here to wish you good luck.” As an afterthought she whispered, “I won’t give you up for anyone Dulce. Not for any bimbo girl and definitely not for Frio.” She pasted a bright smile on her face as if nothing happened. “Just wanted to tell you that. Bye hotshot.” Denise turned around and walked away from me. She pushed a couple of my classmates out of her way. I breathed a sigh of relief when she was gone. Denise was always too difficult. Nothing could ever shake her.
Speaking of difficult, I peeked behind the curtains. All the seniors, teachers, our parents, not to mention the whole student body was sitting on the other side, waiting. I never should have agreed to become Juliet. It was a bad idea. Glace was the one to be blamed. Include my classmates, Tim, and Patty on the list. A quick glance at my wristwatch told me that we only had 20 minutes left before it would start. Fudge! I needed to prepare mentally.
I was almost knocked to the floor when I turned around. “Oops! Sorry Dulce. I didn’t see you there.”
“Eris?” I blinked, confused. “What are you doing here?”
“Frio asked me to keep the paparazzi out remember? I was only making sure that it happens.” She flipped her straight hair behind her shoulder. “I’m still her manager.”
I raised my eyebrow. “I thought she’s not going to act anymore? What does she need a manager for?”
“She’s just taking a break Dulce. Frio belongs in the limelight. Sooner or later she has to return, or her fans won’t like it.” She tapped her stiletto impatiently on the floor. “I’m allowing her to play hooky for now.”
“We should leave that decision to her.” I crossed my arms.
Eris smiled widely. Her pointy incisors showed. “Manager knows best little virgin,” she said in a singsong voice.
I rolled my eyes at her, annoyed. “And are managers supposed to kiss their talent?”
Her smile faltered. “What are you talking about?”
My gaze was hooded. “I saw you that day in her kitchen.”
She glanced at the ceiling, seeming to gather her thoughts. When she looked back at me, it was clear that she remembered. “Oh! You mean when Frio removed something from my eyes?” A laugh escaped from her lips. “What? You thought we were kissing? You wish!” Eris placed her hands on her waist. “Look here Dulce. I may be a tease. But my relationship with that girl is strictly professional. Besides, she’s like a sister to me. And believe me. I won’t fuck my sister if I have one.”
“And you’ll sleep with everyone else?” I snapped. Though I didn’t look it, wave after wave of guilt was making its way into my heart. I lied to Glace due to a false assumpti
on. I was so screwed. I needed to make it up to her somehow.
Eris appeared hurt at my question. She recovered her expression in seconds. “I don’t sleep with just anyone Dulce.” Her tone was suggestive. “You have to look good. You have to smell nice.” Eris stepped to me. “And you have to be experienced to make me notice you.” She tucked a stray hair behind my ear. “But I’m willing to bend the last rule with you darling.”
Oh my God. This girl really was an animal. I was about to get away from her when Patty saved me. “Excuse me Dulce. There’s only 10 minutes till the show. Are you ready?”
Eris smiled coyly at me before bringing her hand down. “I guess I’ll see you around,” she murmured with a wink.
Before she was able to walk away, Patty surprised me by speaking up. “Wait.”
Eris stopped midstride. “Yes?”
Patty picked up something from the floor and headed to Eris. “Here,” she said, handing over a pink handkerchief. “I think you dropped this.”
Their eyes met as Eris took the hanky. “Have we met before?” She arched an eyebrow.
“I don’t think so,” Patty said, locked in a staring contest with the other girl. “I would have noticed someone as beautiful as you.” Eris blushed. What the heck? THE wild thing blushed? The world was coming to an end.
“I’m sure I would have noticed someone as cute as you too.” Eris rushed the words. “So uhm. Well ahhh. . .”
Watching the scene unfold from the sidelines, I couldn’t believe at what was happening. Eris turned into a babbling idiot, all because of a blue eyed someone. Well, well. Patty was more charming than I anticipated. After opening and closing her mouth for five seconds, Eris turned on her heels and walked away, leaving Patty completely baffled. I was about to go to her, but the acting director’s voice brought the class to attention.
“Gather around,” she said. My eyes roamed the area. Glace wasn’t there. Where could she be? “We’re going to nail this thing,” said the director. “We practiced hard and arranged all the props. I won’t get anything less than an A for this, you hear me? I need this for film school.” She turned to me. “Break a leg Juliet.” Oh snap.
